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BLM Archaeology in Action

Jul 31, 2024

The study of archaeology provides the BLM with critical information about land use over time. Archaeologists study cultural resources to gather this information. A cultural resource is physical evidence of past human activity. This can be a site where ancient humans lived - ancient rock art, or more modern evidence of human activity, like a railroad logging camp or a ghost town.

The archaeological study of cultural resources located on BLM-managed lands provides the public and the professional community with opportunities to learn about and help conserve this special, limited resource.

Recently, archaeologists from the Salmon and Upper Snake Field Offices as well as Shoshone-Bannock Tribal members and volunteers helped document the surface artifacts at this location along the Salmon River.

Check out the BLM Archaeology in Action video.

Two BLM ID archaeologists, one standing and one squatting, are surrounded by trees and are documenting surface artifacts along the Salmon River. — BLM ID archaeologists document the surface artifacts along the Salmon River. Photo by Bruce Hallman, BLM

This story is part of the “Unleashing the Science” series, showcasing how bureaus within the Department of the Interior produce and apply science to ensure responsible management decisions for our planet now and for the future.

Story by:

Bruce Hallman, BLM Idaho Falls District public affairs

Blog Topic:

Science

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